Universal Robina, DA to Continue Program that Gives Enormous Boost to Potato Farming

​Universal Robina Corp. (URC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) have decided to continue a program that has greatly improved potato cultivation and overall farm output in the Philippines.

“Since its inception, this program has exemplified the power of public-private partnerships in driving positive change,” said Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.

“This agreement solidifies our shared commitment to improve access to quality planting materials, enhance potato production practices and technologies, increase local sufficiency, and ultimately uplift farmers for a sustainable future,” he added.

URC, one of the country's leading food and beverage companies, and the DA will continue to provide potato growers in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Northern Mindanao, and Davao with agricultural inputs, training, and market possibilities for the next five years.

This falls under the Sustainable Potato Program (SPP), which aims to increase the country's production of a crucial staple crop.

Since the program started five years ago, URC has given 506 tons of generation 3 Granola potato seeds from Canada to over 900 farmers in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Davao del Sur, and Bukidnon. An estimated 23,000 MT of potatoes were grown from these seeds, resulting in a minimum gross income of 920 million pesos. The program benefited 15 farmer associations and led to a 4% increase in national potato production.

“We at URC are committed to contributing to the country’s sustainable development goals. Through the Sustainable Potato Program, we aim to uplift people’s lives and support the growth of the potato farming industry,” said URC’s President and Chief Executive Officer Irwin Lee.

“In collaboration with  Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the PEI Potato Board, we provide our local farmers with access to relevant trainings and research,” he added.  

As part of this program, 10 Cordillera farmers joined a group on a potato seed instructional visit to Prince Edward Island from June 9 to 15. The project was intended to compare cultivation practices, assure a consistent supply of Granola seed variety, and investigate alternate kinds for a sustainable seed source.

The DA will train URC employees in proper agricultural practices, seed multiplication, pest and disease management, storage, handling, and marketing under the terms of their Memorandum of Understanding.

In addition, the DA will establish a Program Management Unit (PMU) in each of the three regions to oversee program execution and ensure that targets are fulfilled.

The Bureau of Plant Industry will expedite import clearances and conduct pest and disease surveillance.

​In addition to distributing high-quality potato seeds directly to farmers, URC will work with relevant institutions to provide farmers with chances for competence development and training. URC will also use its network to help potato producers gain market access for their produce.

“At URC, we believe in the power of community empowerment and the transformative potential of agriculture,” said Lee. “Our commitment goes beyond business; we are dedicated to changing lives and fostering sustainable growth in every community we touch. Together with our partners, we strive to create a lasting impact, ensuring that our farmers not only thrive but also prosper in evolving agriculture landscape.”

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and Universal Robina Corporation (URC), have agreed to continue its potato program, which has been boosting potato farming in the country for the last five years.